This is not
intended to be an exhaustive archive of period newspaper reports. Each day is
limited to roughly one thousand words. The choice of topics was based on
historical significance and/or interest (sometimes "oddity").
TheintentistoprovideaglimpseofAmericansocietyduringthe
war, North and South, civilian, military and naval, and to include a span of
news (domestic and international) that illustrates the world as people of the
time experienced it.

The project was
begun as part of a larger effort to promote the sesquicentennial in southeastern
Massachusetts. As such, the bulk of the reports come from New England
newspapers. Once each week, a day is devoted to a Southern newspaper to provide
the Confederate perspective. Until its capture by Adm. Farragut on 26 April
1862, these papers come from New Orleans, which, along with New York City, was
the only place publishing on Sundays. After its fall, the rebel papers come from
Georgia and Virginia. While this may seem lopsided, you will soon notice that
many of the articles in northern paper come from southern papers, and vice
versa.

Also, do not
expect to find reports of a battle on the day it actually occurred. There is
almost always a lag of at least one day and news sometimes trickles in for
several days following.
Footnotesareincludedwhenastoryislaterrefuted(whichhappens
frequently.)

You will very
soon realize that, while you can easily
read
the English of 1860s America,
understanding
can sometimes be a challenge. For example, the word "apprehend" is used to mean
"expect" or "anticipate," as in "We apprehend a major battle is soon to occur."
And, where we today would say, "In the North," period English says "at the
North." To"allude"tosomething
means to have actually discussed it, not merely as a reference or hint.
"Black
Republican" does not refer to African-Americans in the Republican party;it is a pejorative aimed at Republicans by their opponents.
Also, the words "ultimo" and "instant" after a date indicate the
previous and the current month, respectively. These are often
abbreviated to "ult." and "inst." And "mechanics" do not work only on
your car (or carriage), but put their skills to use as modern
"artisans" or "craftsmen" dotoday
in a wide variety of
professions. If you run into a bind, use the email link at the bottom of the page to ask for
an explanation. We will add these as footnotes as people identify them.

Lastly, the
opinions expressed in these pages are those of the people of the time. We have
no agenda in presenting them beyond promoting a better understanding of this
turbulent time. If you are offended by, for example, a northern article on the
evil southerners, read on and you will soon find a southern piece blasting the
Yankees(ofteninaNorthernnewspaper).